C a p i ta l D i s t r i c t COMPLIMENTARY
Senior A Spotlight News publication in cooperation with Senior Services of Albany
Spotlight
THE RESOURCE FOR SENIORS
NOVEMBER 2017
NO. 11
Answer man An innocent annoyance No. 1 on your dial
cdseniorspotlight.com NOVEMBER 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 1
Join us for coffee and a one-on-one meeting. Meet with an MVP Medicare team expert for a cup of coffee and a friendly conversation about your Medicare needs. We can answer questions about benefits and tell you about all of MVP’s Medicare Advantage plans. No pressure and no obligation.
To book your meeting, call 1-888-713-5536 Seven days a week, 8 am–8 pm Eastern Time TTY: 1-800-662-1220
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Or visit MVPcanhelp.com The annual election period for MVP Health Care Medicare Advantage health plans is October 15–December 7, 2017. MVP Health Plan, Inc. is an HMO-POS/PPO/MSA organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in MVP Health Plan depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. The Formulary and provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. Y0051_3593 Accepted 09/2017 101298_4
2 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — NOVEMBER 2017
Editor’s desk
For the love of music Speaking of music and old men
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andy Travis drops mention of how old men often talk about the weather in his 1987 hit “Forever and Ever, Amen.” But, truth of the matter is, old men like to talk about a lot of things. Their memories of music and concerts from the past is also one of them. You want to talk about music? You have to visit to River Street Beat Shop in Troy some day. The store itself is a collection of memorabilia of years gone-by. Concert posters, magazine covers, album covers and more. There are, of course, thousands of vinyl records and CDs. Walking inside is like a visiting a museum of pop culture; only you can walk out of this museum with some of the artifacts. Jim Barrett, the store’s owner, is the most valuable artifact within the store. In a town that still has ties to the musicians who helped shape the musical tastes of the 70s, 80s and beyond, Barrett is well respected by all. His store is a must-stop for local music lovers, and those aforementioned musicians stopping in between shows. Barrett’s strongest pull within the local music scene, however, comes from his longstanding radio show, The Kaleidoscope. For five decades, Barrett has spun the records of popular artists along with local musicians pushing out to make names for themselves. Behind those eyes is a database of memories. The words of The Kinks. The sights of Led Zepplein at the Aerodrome. The sound of Bill Milhizer playing drums for The Fleshtones. He seldom has a casual conversation about music. Ask him a question and he’ll capture your imagination as firmly as that handshake of his. Read our inside feature to learn more about what that means. Sincerely, Michael Hallisey, Managing Editor Spotlight Newspapers
November 2017 Features No. 1 on you dial
14-15
Columnists Social Security Corner
4
Organize Senior Moves
6
Health & Fitness
7
Medical Corner
10
Retiring Retirement
12
Veteran Next Door
22
Senior Services Senior Services of Albany
5
Albany JCC
8
Troy Senior Services
11
Voorheesville Library
17
Colonie Senior Service Centers
21
publisher - John
McIntyre editor - Michael Hallisey advertising sales - Denice Mau art director - David Abbott graphic design - Martha Eriksen Capital District Senior Spotlight is a unit of Community Media Group LLC. Published monthly. Deadline for advertising and calendar events is the 5th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available on request. Capital District Senior Spotlight reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. We do not guarantee any of the information, services or products published in this or any issue. The opinions expressed by the contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this paper. Copyright © 2011 by Capital District Senior Spotlight. No portion of Capital District Senior Spotlight may be reproduced without written permission from Community Media Group LLC.
NOVEMBER 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 3
Social Security Corner
The B.E.S.T. Social Security tool
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ocial Security has a toolbox full of resources on its website, www.socialsecurity. gov, to help you with your financial planning. With so many resources, maybe it’s easier if we highlight one of our “best.” B.E.S.T. is the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, available at https://ssabest.benefits. gov. It can help you find out if you might be eligible for retirement, disability, survivors, Supplemental Security Income, or Medicare benefits. Although B.E.S.T. asks you a series of questions to determine your eligibility, they are not personal in nature and the answers are not stored. On average, it takes only
about 10 minutes to complete the B.E.S.T. questionnaire. First, it guides you through the questions needed to find out if you could qualify for benefits. Just to the right of each question is an information icon (a white “i” in a blue circle) that gives you tips on how to answer each question. The “results” section appears automatically after you have completed some basic questions. B.E.S.T. lists each program for which you might
Elizabeth Pivonka You can go back and narrow your resource responses by answering additional questions. After you have reviewed the results, you can print a copy for your records or email yourself a copy. B.E.S.T. doesn’t screen for the Extra Help program, which qualify. By clicking on the helps with Medicare Part D “read more” tab, you’ll find prescription drug plan costs. a description of the benefits You can see if you qualify for program, its requirements, and that at www.socialsecurity.gov/ what your next steps should be. medicare/prescriptionhelp. If you are eligible for benefits, The results couldn’t be you must file an application for clearer — investing just 10 benefits with Social Security minutes can yield all the posbecause B.E.S.T. is not an sible resources available to you application. The best way to from Social Security. Now, do this is by visiting www. that’s a tool worth using. socialsecurity.gov.
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Senior calendars Senior Services of Albany
Westview Tech Training Monday, Nov. 6 11:30 a.m. Are you having trouble using the latest technology? We offer hands on technology support for portable devices, Twitter, Facebook, emails and more. Bring your phone, laptop, and questions.
Home Depot Workshop Wednesday, Nov. 8 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join Home Depot’s hands on workshop with step-by-step instruction; work at your own pace. Each participant will receive a free project kit that he or she can take home.
Veteran’s Celebration Thursday, Nov. 9 noon We want to honor, celebrate, and remember our veterans! We have the land of the free because of the brave, help us salute our heroes. Join us for good food, live music and lots of fun.
Cohoes Courtney Shayne is Patsy Cline Thursday, Nov. 2 5 p.m. Enjoy an entertaining performance with all the familiar favorites. Shayne’s interactive show is a big hit in the Capital District and surrounding areas. Please join us for this Hoedown goodtime party with a nice Chili dinner and dessert. Don’t miss out. Call for more information. Westview Community Dining Lunch: Monday – Friday, at noon, Dinner: Wednesday at 5 p.m., call (518) 482-2120 for reservations Cohoes Community Dining Lunch: Monday – Friday, at noon., Dinner: Tuesday and Thursday at 5 p.m., call (518) 235-2420 for reservations *Community Dining, an Albany County Congregate Meal Program is funded in part by the Albany County Dept. for Aging, the NYS Office for Aging, US Administration on Aging and participant contributions.
Spotlightnews .com
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Organize Senior Moves
What you want to keep There’s more to the help than doing the heavy lifting
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enior move managers can be explained this way: If you are a senior, and you are moving, we can help! We are trained and certified to work with seniors who are in need of assistance during what is often a difficult transition. Senior move managers frequently encounter some resistance from clients who, understandably, are reluctant to pare down the contents of their long time home. One of the most common comments that we hear from clients is that they are reluctant to leave things behind. As organization guru Marie Kondo states in her revolutionizing book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” “We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.” Unfortunately, this is then usually followed up by the client indicating that they would like to keep everything! To be very clear, senior move managers are trained to be sensitive to the concerns of their clients. We are empathetic with the specific needs of those with whom we d work, and understand the desire to “leave no man behind” when it comes to possessions. So, what is the solution? While there is never a clear cut answer, we can provide some tips to filtering through the items and, hopefully, trim down the “take” list to a more
6 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — NOVEMBER 2017
Michelle KavanaughAnastasi
reasonable size. • Take a few moments to conjure up the reasons why you would like to bring particular items with you. Do this for each item. Share these reasons with family -- it is possible that they may now have an increased interest in the piece. • If you have a collection of similar items (dolls, toy trucks, china), choose a small number of them to take with you. As for the pieces
Senior movers are trained to be sensitive to each client’s needs and wishes while deciding what to pack or leave behind. item is now a piece of art for the wall, not sitting in a drawer or hidden in the corner and (3) as a piece of displayed art, it is
As organization guru Marie Kondo states in her revolutionizing book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” “We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.”
that remain, write up a short description and pass along to a family member. • A personal favorite that works well for the crafty reader — consider a shadow box for small items! This accomplishes a few things: (1) you get to take the items with you, (2) the
now given a more prominent place in your new home.
the new home. As mentioned previously, record some information about the item. This may be enough to help you beyond any guilt that you may have about leaving the piece for donation or family. • Nobody, other than the local jeweler, is interested in your sterling silver. Promise. Proceed slowly. Allow yourself the time to adjust to letting go; allow yourself time to develop family interest; allow yourself time to enjoy your decisions.
• Always do an honest asMichelle Kavanaughsessment of the condition of Anastasi is CEO and founder of any items that you have chosen Organize Senior Moves, LLC. to bring to your new home. The independently owned move • Take a photo of the management company is a memitem(s) that are sentimental, ber of the National Association of but are not on the list to go to Senior Moving Managers.
Health & Fitness
Seeing the path to failure Tying together the words of Confucius and running a 5K
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rom time to time, our center does group outings together and recently we decided to support the wonderful people at Saratoga Bridges and participate in the Great Pumpkin Challenge in Saratoga. It was a great event for all of the our members who participated. In particular, a couple chose the event to run their first 5K. And, while that may not be a big deal to many of you, it was something they’ll never forget. You see, for them, it was as big a challenge as climbing Mount Everest. But, climb it they did. The look of accomplishment as they crossed the finish line, and the obvious pride they felt was worthwhile to watch. Now, speaking as their coach and trainer, this is why I do what I do. I call them “WOW Moments.” Those moments when you overcome your fears, take a risk and achieve things you never thought possible. Most people will go through life never achieving their dreams. Why is that? Because they aren’t willing to take the risk to reach them. For many, its that fear of failure. What if I don’t make it? What if I put in all the effort, but don’t get the job done? Those ‘What Ifs” paralyze people. They’ll invest so much energy in the what if, they don’t have the strength to get past it. I get it. It’s not easy. But, it’s not as hard as we often make ourselves believe.
Struggles in Life We will all face struggles in life. The hardest thing for most people is not getting past them but actually acknowledging they are there. We want to bury our heads in the sand and hope they’ll just go away if we ignore them. But rarely do they. That refusing to face those issues takes energy. LOTS OF ENERGY. Living in denial and fear saps us in so many ways and has a huge detrimental effect on our health. Acknowledging that we aren’t perfect is a hard concept to deal with. Many of us never allow ourselves the permission to be imperfect Which leads to that paralyzing fear of failure that many of us deal with.
What to do? Acknowledging that struggle is just one step in the process. The next is how to overcome it. My friends, its not easy. Very few can just flip the switch. Yet, that’s exactly how most people approach it. I call it the “all or nothing” approach. I’m going full bore, at it 110 percent, until I overcome it. The problem is, as we mentioned, you will never be able to fully overcome it. Life will inevitably get in the way, and when it does, the act of doing nothing will win out. Our original self doubt comes back, we give up and never try anything again. Sound familiar? Using fitness as an example, think about how many times
you’ve been gung-ho to try a new diet. Maybe you had some success, too. But, that inevitable day comes along when you “slip up.” Next thing you know, you’re beating yourself up for not sticking to it and you give up. Conversely, if we acknowledge we are human and give ourselves the O.K. to have that slip up, we can commit to getting right back on track. Inevitably, we’ll have success. Now, translate that to other things in life. Maybe there was that dream job you wanted but didn’t apply for because you didn’t think you could get it. Or, perhaps there was that perfect guy or girl for you that you were afraid to approach because he or she might reject you. We’ve all been there. Guess what? You didn’t get that job or that guy or girl did you? Why? Because you never took the chance. Your lack of action assured yourself of failure. That my friends is the reality you need to face. Not trying is guaranteeing you to fail.
The fix In my experience, the best way to approach it is with baby steps. Instead of trying to overcome every fear or challenge, pick one. It doesn’t have to be the biggest one. It could be the smallest one of all. The old saying “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Get the ball rolling and build up the momentum to tackle the next challenge. Whatever that step
Dan Romand may be, take it. Otherwise, the only way to truly fail at anything is to not try. That’s what made this 5K race in Saratoga so amazing. I watched as a member of our fitness family muster the strength to overcome selfdoubt, and toed the starting line after having signed up for many such races before, yet never followed through. Not only did she start the race, she finished it; Beating her goal time by several minutes. I watched another who didn’t think she could walk three miles, complete the course and beat her goal time as well. And they weren’t alone. Many members of our fitness family achieved personal bests. And with it came joy, a feeling of success and perhaps, most importantly, confidence in themselves to overcome their fears and achieve their dreams. You just have to TRY. And that’s what it’s all about. They took the risk, overcame their fear and just decided to GO FOR IT. And in the process achieved dreams they never thought possible. And if they can do it SO CAN YOU! How about you? Are you ready to achieve your wildest dreams?
Dan Romand is co-owner and trainer at Full Circle Fitness-NY in Albany and Saratoga Springs. He also appears in TheSpot518 as a regular contributor to its Health & Fitness section.
NOVEMBER 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 7
Senior calendars Albany JCC, Adult Department 340 Whitehall Road, Albany (518) 438-6651, ext. 112 Claire Sigal, Program Director
Sixty-Plus Dining Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45 to 6 p.m. Full-course kosher dinners for those 60 and older. Reservations taken until 9:30 a.m. at the day of the meal. Suggested donation: $5 per person. Guest under 60 pays $10.
Origami Tuesdays 1 to 2:30 p.m. Suzanna Van Schoonhoven Hunter is your instructor. Price is $89 ($77 for JCC Member). A $15 materials fee payable to the instructor at the first class. Prepaid registration required before class fills.
Pre-Thanksgiving Concert & Dinner
A name you can trust.
Monday, Nov. 13 4 to 6 p.m. Concert of Songs performed by Averill Park High School Jazz Ensemble. Turkey dinner follows the performance. There is a $13 prepaid reservation required. Call (518) 438-6651 for more details.
Chanuka Concert & Dinner Monday, Dec. 11 4 to 6 p.m.
Now is the time to make important decisions about your Medicare coverage.
Klezmer Concert performed by members of the Kleiner Klezmer Orchestra. A pot roast dinner follows the concert. A $13 prepaid reservation is required by Nov. 27.
Call today and learn more about Medicare Advantage options from CDPHP!
Rehearsals and performances take place on Thursday afternoons with Chorale Director Sherri Strichman. There is a $2.25 suggested donation per session.
Senior Chorale Thursdays, 1 – 3 p.m.
Fun & Fitness To The Songs Of Broadway Thursdays, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. A fun, and gentle exercise class with instructor Richard Feldman. There is a $2.25 suggested donation per session.
Eric Tolmie, MBA
(518) 438-2008 HULF#WROPLHŎQDQFLDO FRP
Eye On The World Thursdays 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Take part in lively discussions on social, cultural and political issues with guest moderators. A $2.25 suggested donation per session.
CDPHP® is an HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CDPHP Medicare Choices depends on contract renewal.
Healthy Bones For Life Mondays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and Wednesdays, 10 to 11 a.m.
Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. CDPHP Universal Benefits,® Inc. 101299_4
8 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — NOVEMBER 2017
Join in on a peer led, group exercise session. A $2.25 suggested donation per class.
Senior calendars Clifton Park Senior Comm. Center
Periodic Activities
6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park (518) 383-1343
Call ahead
Center Activities
— Scrapbooking Workshop
Wednesdays, (Nov. 1, 15 & 29) at 10 a.m. — Shabby Sheik crafting with Carmen D.
Friday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. — CDPHP’s 2018 Medicare Advantage Presentation
Thursdays, (Nov. 2, 16 & 30) at 1:15 p.m. — Crafty Creations with Jean
Monday, Nov. 20, at 10 a.m. – CDPHP’s 2019 Medicare Advantage Presentation
Fridays, (Nov. 3 & 17) at 11 a.m. — Diabetes Support Group
Day Trip
Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. — Election Day Bake Sale Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. — MVP’s 2018 Medicare Advantage Presentation Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. — Monthly dinners are back! Friday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Day Trip to Hyde Park. Visit the Vanderbilt Mansion; the Franklin D Roosevelt Home, Presidential Library and Museum; and dine at the Culinary Institute of America-Ristorante Caterina De’Medici. Just $74 members/$80 non-members.
Mondays: Tap intermediate, jazz dance, bocce ball, chair yoga, discussion group, clogging, dominoes, bingo, exercise to tape, quilting, osteo exercise. Tuesdays: Exercise to tape, LCR or Dice 3000-learn to play, pinochle, pool/billiards, tai chi, Scrabble. Wednesday: Exercise to tape, senior investment group, social bridge, shabby sheik crafting, memories to memoirs, bocce ball, living with a loss, hand and foot, crochet and knitting, mah-jongg-learn to play, poker, osteo exercise. Thursdays: Exercise to tape, pool/billiards, chorus, yoga, watercolor & sketch, legal assistance by appointment, Seton Health Seniorcize, mah-jongg, pinochle, bunco or pinochle – learn to play, Crafty Creations
with Jean. Fridays: Orchestra on the common, woodcarving, tap advanced, ballet, dominoes, scrapbook workshop, center big band (swing band), diabetes support group, beading buddies, scrabble, osteo exercise. Senior Express — Transportation for Clifton Park Residents (518) 371-4444 Lunch Reservation for our center — please call by noon the day before. (518) 3831343, ext. 227 Saratoga County Office for the Aging — Home Delivered Meals (518) 363-4020 or (518) 363-4033. For more information on activities and services, please call the Clifton Park Senior Community Center at (518) 383-1343.
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w w w. c l i f t o n p a r k m e m o r i e s . c o m NOVEMBER 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 9
Medical Corner
An Innocent Annoyance O
ne of the most common reasons people visit the office for an emergency eye exam is the sudden onset of floaters. The symptoms are diverse . Patients describe seeing a “bug, mouse, cobweb, cloud, or ring” in their field of vision. Sometimes the onset is sudden and the usual concerns among patients are impending loss of vision, migraine or even a stroke. Floaters commonly occur when the jelly-like substance inside the eye, called vitreous, develops clumps that interfere with the light entering the eye. Vitreous is rich in protein and stringy and adheres very closely to the retina. In a normal aging process, it degenerates and comes off the retina in bits and
pieces and people develop small stringy floaters that they learn to ignore. However, sometimes, the vitreous comes off the retina suddenly in a big clump and causes a large shadow on the retina that is perceived simply as a floater or as whatever shape the degenerated clump takes. Sometimes this sudden detachment of vitreous from the retina causes a piece of retina to come off with the vitreous and that can be serious because it can lead to a larger tear and a full blown retinal detachment. That is the reason why a sudden onset floater should always cause one to seek an eye exam. The retinal tear can often be prevented from expanding into a retinal detachment by surrounding it with laser.
Other less common causes of floaters are hemorrhage, infection or inflammation inside the eye when blood or inflammatory material can occupy the normally transparent vitreous. This happens when there is a retinal tear that involves a retinal blood vessel, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis or inflammation inside the eye. People at high risk for retinal detachment following floaters are people with myopia, diabetes or have had a recent eye procedure, like cataract surgery. There is no definitive treatment for benign floaters. People learn to ignore them and with time are not seen as much. Very rarely, floaters can interfere with a patient’s normal functioning and in those situations, eye
surgery in form of vitrectomy or laser is offered. These interventions do carry risks of their own and are performed rarely. If you have a sudden onset floater, it is best to call your eye care professional. If you do not have an eye care professional, call your primary care provider and they should be able to refer you to one. If along with the floater, you feel that that your vision is distorted, it is important that you be seen right away, even if it means going to the ER. Pamela Kaw MD is in private practice in Troy, NY. Her office number is (518) 274-3390. For any questions regarding the article please email her @ pamkaw@ gmail.com.
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AMERICA, LET’S DO LUNCH
10 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — NOVEMBER 2017
Dr. Pamela Kaw
TM
Charles and Maude Spann, SINCE 1912 & 1917. 7 Even after 76 years together, they know how to keep love fresh. Now, they and 1 in 6 seniors face the threat of hunger and millions more live in isolation. So pop by, drop off a hot meal and say a warm hello. Volunteer for Meals on Wheels at AmericaLetsDoLunch.org
Senior calendars Troy Area Senior Service Center 19 Third St., Troy (518) 270-5348
Activities Tai Chi — Class offered on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Call to sign up! (518) 270-5348. Arts 4 Vets — Meets every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. People are invited to view the veterans’ art work. Veterans may join on any Tuesday. Line Dancing — Join the Uncle Sam Sparklers every Thursday at 1 p.m. This class is for women. Aerobics — Classes meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. Bible Studay — Group meets every Friday at 1 p.m. Bingo — Every Wednesday and Friday at 12:45 p.m. Health & Wellness
Activities — Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Gym — Come and work out with Ellio. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1:00 p.m. Swimming — Every Wednesday at 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club
Many senior living residences stand alone. Kingsway stands out.
Unlike “stand alone” senior living residences that provide only one level o= 1-u;ķ bm]v - oll mb| o@;uv - 7;7b1-|;7 1omঞm l o= 1-u;Ō=uol 0;- ঞ= Ѵ bm7;r;m7;m| Ѵb bm] -r-u|l;m|v to quality, skilled nursing care. We provide comprehensive support for current and future needs all on one 1-lr vķ vo o u u;vb7;m|v 1-m Ѵb ; -1ঞ ; lives and look forward to the future with peace of mind. Outstanding coordinated care, all on one 1-lr vĹ |_-|Ľv |_; bm]v - 7b@;u;m1;ĺ
Boutique Come and do a little shopping in our boutique. We have clothing, jewelry, shoes and unique items to purchase. We also accept donations. All proceeds help support the Troy Senior Center. Call (518) 270-5348 for info.
Skilled Nursing | Rehabilitation | Assisted Living Memory Care | Senior Apartments | Home Care Adult Day Program | Respite 323 Kings Road, Schenectady, NY 12304 | 518.393.8800 | kingswaycommunity.com 101304_4
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NOVEMBER 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 11
Retiring Retirement
Seniors over 60 who are finishing strong
The Answer Man From home improvement to retirement, this guy has the solution
S
o much for the laid back, Floridian retiree.
At 65, then-retiree James Turner got a little restless with fishing, boating, going to the park and working out at the gym in Tampa. He walked into Lowe’s on Monday and the building chain was smart enough to start him on Tuesday. Because of his varied background in welding, supervising, and plant and facility management, Lowe’s reasoned that he could be a great resource to DIYers and contractors alike.
He and his wife Catherine moved back to Albany in 2005 to be near family. James was then transferred to the Glenmont Lowe’s where he works 30 hours. Turner has become Lowe’s quintessential “Answer Man.” “I know the whole store,” said Turner. “And I love what I do. You have to enjoy people and you have to be dependable. People come in and specifically ask for me. We have customers who have just lost a spouse with tears in their eyes and they need help with a project. They’re looking for knowledge and concern. I talk with them, take time with
The only real solution…
Robert LaCosta
When he’s not helping some 50 to 60 customers each day, he’s assisting co-workers who see him as a mentor.
believes that many retirees don’t properly estimate how much it might cost to cover non-covered medical costs and the incidentals of the golden years.
“They’ve got questions about the job or home life,” he said. “I give good advice. I don’t pull any punches. Lying to them doesn’t help them. I tell them to keep their smile on even when they don’t feel like it. “
He and Catherine have also been choir members at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and the Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Their five adult children have blessed them with 10 grandkids and six great grandchildren.
Turner suggests that pre-retirees and retirees look ahead and picture what they want their life to look like. As a financial realist, Turner
Robert J. LaCosta’s daily devotional blog is found on Sonrisen.com. To suggest a senior for this column, write LaCosta at norepcom@gmail.com.
them and figure out what they need.”
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Senior calendars
13 State Street Apartments 13 State Street Schenectady, New York 12305
Saratoga Senior Center 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs (518) 584-1621
Colette 2018 Excursions Informational Slideshow Friday, Nov. 3, 1 p.m. This informational slideshow includes virtual stops through the imperial cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest. The first stop is in the fairy-tale town of Cesky Krumlov. Next, take a tour of the majestic Prague Castle. Get to know Bratislava’s history and enjoy and enjoy an unforgettable performance featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss.
Free Open to public. Call the center at (518) 584-1621 for trip dates.
Tim Clark portraying “Charles Lindberg” Friday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m.
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Then, at 1:30, move on to the Colors of Morocco. Stroll through the cobbled alleyways of the ancient market of Medina, and experience a Moronccan tradition at a henna workshop.
Now leasing 61 units designed for individuals 55 years of age and older. Rents will be: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath $703 - $750 1 Bedroom with Den $728 - $925 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath $835 Maximum Annual Income: 1 person = $34,920 - $46,560 2 persons = $39,900 - $53,200 3 persons = $44,880 - $59,840 4 persons = $49,860 - $66,480 New Energy-Star rated appliances, Community room, Fitness room, Library/computer room For more information and an application, call or write to: Norstar Property Management USA, Inc. 200 South Division Street Buffalo, NY 14204 (716) 847-1098
Celebrate Veteran’s Day with Tim Clark portraying pioneer airplane pilot Charles Lindberg. The U.S. Air Mail pilot made history as the first person to fly over the span of the Atlantic Ocean, flying from Long Island, N.Y. to Paris, France in 1927. Lindberg, who also an officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve, would be awarded the distinguished Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration. There is a $2 admission charge to members, $5 for nonmember. Call the center at (518) 584-1621 for more information.
“Votes for Women” Friday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. “Votes for Women,” presented by Kim Harvash of the Chapman Historical Museum, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the woman’s suffrage in New York state. The presentation will include a historical re-enactor sharing stories of both national and local impact. There is a $2 admission charge to members, $5 for nonmember. Call the center at (518) 584-1621 for more information.
Memory Cafe The challenges of living with memory loss can sever social connections at a time when it is needed most. Memory Café gatherings are one way to share your stories and socialize with others who have been diagnosed with memory challenges in a supportive, fun way. Free. Open to the public! Light refreshments served! Please call for details.
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Feature Story
No. 1 on your dial Jim Barrett moves his longstanding radio show to WAIX-FM 106.1 By MICHAEL HALLISEY halliseym@spotlightnews.com
TROY— Jim Barrett has a handshake like a Jeff Buckley song. It grabs a hold and pulls you in. He just might pull you over the front counter of the River Street Beat Shop if you let him.
14 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — NOVEMBER 2017
Kaleidoscope broadcasts each Monday evening from 8 to 10 p.m. on WAIX-FM 106.1. Photo by Michael Hallisey / Spotlight News
Ask Barrett and he will tell you Buckley does the best cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” And, people do ask for his thoughts. His record store in Troy is adorned by pillars, built at a time when the number of such signified wealth. The wealth is measured by the level of education people learn by walking in. On Saturdays, it’s like a barber’s shop. A hangout for the neighborhood to sit around to debate and compare. But, on Saturdays in Troy, it’s common to catch musicians from the local scene in the story. It’s not uncommon to catch them playing in front of the store either. “I always tell them, buy a record,” said Barrett. “If you don’t like it, bring it back [and] we’ll give you something else. So they will try other stuff and that’s worked out well. And, it’s not just me. People come in here and music lovers take to these kids like crazy. Saturdays are fun here, because all the musicians come here and hang out. We usually have a performer. … They come in and they talk to everybody. All the musicians hang out, get together and then they decide to along with someone who’s recording. … This is kind of like a barber shop. It’s a boys club, but there’s a lot of women involved. Female musicians are very comfortable here. They know we all respect them, and there’s lots of laughs.” The conversation turns to Joanna Palladino of Off the Record, and Holly Taormina of Holly and Evan. But, Barrett isn’t known simply as the owner of River Street Beat Shop. For longer than most of the musicians and customers who walk through his doors, he’s been a staple to local radio. Since 1967, Barrett has hosted Kaleidoscope — a radio show where he mixes classic rock tunes with contemporary and local music. This week, his show jumps up the dial from WVCR-FM 88.3 The Saint to WAIX-FM 106.1 The X. “I had a phenomenal, wonderful experience where I was at Siena,” said Barrett. “They treated me like a million bucks. But, I was ready for a change. I needed a change. My only regret is that I’m not working with my dear friend Dean Charette. That was very hard to walk away from, because we’re very close. But, even he understood that I needed it. I’m 71. How much more do I have in the tank? I want to be with a bunch of young people who are fired up about music. Barrett said he’s schizophrenic about his music. He bounces from one genre to the next because he can’t settle on just one, nor does he think he should. He said good music can be mixed and matched, treated like a good menu. “I don’t know how anyone can stand to listen all day long to a hip hop station, or all day long to a country station, even all day long to a jazz station. Because, after awhile, you become jaded,” said Barrett. That kind of philosophy should mix well at
his new home with the Malta-based Empire Broadcasting Company station, since it flipped its format from news to a mixed bag of classic rock, alternative music, and local artists. “To me, it’s like food,” said Barrett. “I don’t want to eat the same food everyday. I don’t want to eat hamburgers every day. I want to eat Italian one day, and Moroccan the next. … Music I treat like a great menu. I try something new all the time.”
“I’m a child of radio” Ask Barrett to put a label on himself and he will call himself “a child of radio.” He writes and plays music — you’ve likely caught him on stage playing with the Lawn Sausages — but he won’t dare call himself a musician. That’s reserved for someone like Jeff Beck, to whom he considers to be the ultimate guitarist. The radio is where he first fell in love. The spark that cut through the quiet of a summer evening as it came to life. It would lead him to experience music history first hand as it came through town. “The Strip [in downtown Troy] was the coolest thing I’ve ever been involved with,” said Barrett, describing a row of bars and clubs that all played live music from the early 60s to the late 70s in a scene he likened to New Orleans. He starts to name drop bands with national following that stopped to play in Troy — Sam The Sham and the Pharaohs, The Liverpool Set. “Music would start at eight at night, end at five in the morning, four in the morning. Bands were everywhere, and we worked all over the place. That was the Golden Era of music in Troy.” That said, Barrett said Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady all had something to boast, leading to his opportunity to interview an up-andcoming band from overseas. “They’d bring in some national bands. And, of course, J.B. Scotts which was ridiculously good. And, the Hullabaloo in Rensselaer. They had the Talking Heads as a three piece. That’s how early they got them. They had Joe Jackson and they had The Police as a three piece. The Aerodrome that was the Mecca of God to me. I, actually, for RPI interviewed Led Zeppelin at the Aerodrome.” It was Robert Plant’s 19th birthday. Though Barrett said the days of The Strip in Troy may never come back, the local music scene is making a “remarkable” comeback. It’s evidenced in the records he sees coming into his shop. It’s played on his weekly radio station. “I don’t have an ego about doing radio. I will say, I’m good at it, because I’ve been doing it for a long time,” he said. “But, nothing makes me happier than to tune into a radio and hear somebody at a college station, or somebody I’ve never heard before, or late at night spinning the dial and hear somebody who knows what they’re doing and playing great music. Man, I love that.” NOVEMBER 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 15
Senior calendars Bethlehem Public Library
Wednesday, Nov. 8
451 Delaware Ave., Delmar (518) 439-9314 www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org
Health Insurance Options
Coffee and Conversation Fridays Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Sunday, Nov. 5 Joe Bruchac: Tales for young and old Storyteller and author Joe Bruchac returns to the library for two family storytelling programs at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. As a professional teller of the traditional tales of the Adirondacks and the Native
peoples of the Northeastern woodlands, he has performed extensively throughout the world. Copies of his work will be available for purchase and signing following the program. Because space is limited, this is a first-come, first-seated event; doors will open 15 minutes prior to the program. This Writers and Friends event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library and Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc.
Monday, Nov. 6 Fun and Games for Grownups An adults-only gathering where you can play games, including chess, color and socialize, 6-8:30 p.m. Snacks served!
Do you need health insurance for yourself or your family? Learn about the different options available through the New York State of Health Marketplace. Representatives will be at the library to answer questions, 10 a.m-2 p.m.
Trivia Night for Adults Sign up alone or as a team and match wits with others, 7-8:15 p.m. Prizes donated by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Sunday, Nov. 12 A Little Sunday Music: Musicians of Ma’alwyck Concert featuring violinist Ann-Marie Barker Schwartz, flutist Norman Thibodeau and guitarist Sten Isachsen celebrates the Ruins of Rome wallpaper based on the engrav-
ings of Giovanni Pannini and recently installed at the Schuyler Mansion, 2-3 p.m. Sponsored by Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Thursday, Nov. 16 Listening Parties: Frank Sinatra’s ‘Only the Lonely’ Listen to and discuss this 1958 collection of torch songs that was Sinatra’s personal favorite of all his albums, 7 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 27 Hamilton’s Federalist Papers: No. 1 and 6 Take part in a reading and discussion series focusing on several of the Federalist Papers penned by Alexander Hamilton, 7-8:30 p.m. Additional dates in December, February and March. This program is grant-funded and sponsored by Humanities New York.
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16 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — NOVEMBER 2017
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www.AttentiveCareServices.com
Events must be submitted via email to: halliseym@spotlightnews.com Deadline is the first of the month prior to publication (ie: January 1st for the February issue, February 1st for the March issue, etc.) Listings must include date, time, location, contact information and any fees. Please do not exceed 90 words per item listing. If questions, please call Michael Hallisey at 518-439-4949.
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(518)(518) 438-6271 438-6271
Senior calendars Voorheesville Public Library 51 School Road, Voorheesville (518) 765-2791 www.voorheesvillelibrary.org
Thursday Afternoon Movie Thursdays Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 30 Join us Thursday at 1:30 p.m. to watch a classic movie on our giant screen. Check our website calendar for movie titles and descriptions. Light refreshments served.
Nimblefingers Craft Group Thursdays Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 30 Bring your projects, socialize, and connect with other crafters. Share your own special talents or learn a new knitting, crocheting, embroidery or quilting skill. All crafters are welcome to join the group, which meets from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Veterans Day Weekend Double Feature Saturday, Nov. 11 and Sunday, Nov. 12 Join us at 2 p.m. this Veterans Day weekend for a special double feature shown on our new theater system. Saturday will be showing “Hacksaw Ridge” and Sunday will be “Courage Under Fire.” Light
refreshments will be served. Check our website calendar for movie titles and descriptions.
Beading Workshop
B ROOKDALE COLONIE
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Assisted Living • Meal Preparation • Laundry Services • Housekeeping • Medication Management • Transportation to Medical Appointments • Bathing & Dressing Assistance Brookdale Colonie 626 Watervliet-Shaker Road • Latham NY 12110 518.783.8695 • www.brookdale.com
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Wednesday, Nov. 29 5:30 – 8:00 pm Learn easy beading techniques for making simple jewelry. The library provides tools and offers a variety of beads to choose from, or bring your own supplies. Adults and teens ages 14 and up. Please register online, in person or call (518) 765-2791. There will be a small materials fee. 101302_4
Social Security Information Workshop
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Tuesday, Nov. 21 The timing of when to claim one’s Social Security benefits requires advanced planning and a coordinated strategy. Join us from 6 to 8 p.m. to learn how to make a more informed decision before choosing when to claim Social Security benefits. The workshop is sponsored by Retirement Solutions, LLC and is open to the general public. Call the library, advanced registration is required.
1924 – 2017
• Assisted Living • Memory Care • Enhanced Care • Respite Care
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NOVEMBER 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 17
Crossword Answers on page 22 Clues Across
CClues Down
1. State confidently dent ntly ed 7. Replaced 13. Day of remembrance 14. Molecular process 16. Indicates position 17. Paper-and-pencil game 19. Military policeman 20. Nests of pheasants 22. Corpuscle count (abbr.) 23. Seat 25. Functions 26. Sheets of glass 28. Minute arachnid 29. Separately managed account 30. A bachelor place 31. Dodge truck 33. __ Farrow, actress 34. Discussion 36. Delayed 38. Liaison 40. Sediment deposit 41. Leased 43. Without 44. Woman (French) 45. Folk-pop artist Williams 47. Congressman (abbr.) 48. Resembles a pouch 51. Superior 53. Stalin police chief 55. Razorbill is of this genus 56. Criminal act of setting fire 58. Department of Labor 59. William Jennings __, The Great Commoner 60. Nickel 61. Ordered by canon law 64. Where Denver is (abbr.) 65. Has 10 straight sides and angles 67. Small group with shared interests 69. A famous street for kids 70. Underlying intentions
1 Mental condition 1. 2. Senate Bill 3. Where constructions take place 4. Ancient Olympic Site 5. Not just lay 6. Set of four 7. he beautiful game 8. American time 9. Big man on campus 10. Syndrome of the eye 11. Spanish be 12. Cotton cloths 13. Roman guardian of gates 15. Displays of food 18. Anti-Bolshevik Bloc of Nations 21. Female deacon 24. Adrift 26. Hit lightly 27. Test for high schoolers 30. Whittled 32. River in western India 35. Small crude dwelling 37. One-time AC/DC singer Scott 38. Holds up a shirtsleeve 39. Mental faculties 42. Blot 43. A very large body of water 46. Redecorated 47. Mineral 49. Tree that bears spikes 50. Type of boat 52. Calypso music 54. Director Howard 55. Longtime U.S. Senator Specter 57. Buddhist serpent deities 59. Attempt to fly in falconry 62. __ de plume 63. Wheel 66. Cerium 68. Rural delivery
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Senior calendars Niskayuna Senior Center 2682 Aqueduct Road, Niskayuna Rosemarie Mullaney, (518) 372-4969
Ongoing activities Mondays 10 to 10:45 a.m. — Zumba Gold* 11 a.m. to noon — Motion & Fitness Class
10 a.m. to noon — Cards, Wii Bowling, and Mahjong 10:30 a.m. — Bocce and Pickle Ball Noon — Lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Bingo
Tuesdays 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. — Tai Chi 10 a.m. to noon — cards, bridge, Mahjong, and Wii Bowling 10:30 a.m. — Line Dancing Noon — Lunch 1 p.m. — MVP Chair Moves
Wednesdays 1 to 2 p.m. Stretch & Tone Fitness Class
Thursdays 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. — Tai Chi
Upcoming events Birthday Party for November Babies — Thursday, Nov. 2 Baking & Volunteering for Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 7 Computer Class- Introduction to Windows 10 — Wednesday Nov. 8, at 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Location: Town Hall Cracker Barrel Lunch Trip & Shopping at Lind-
sey’s Country Store — Thursday, Nov. 16 New York City Trip to Radio City Music Hall, Carmine’s for Lunch & Shopping — Saturday, Nov. 18 Advanced Hearing & Services — Tuesday Nov. 21, at 1 p.m. Art with Edie — Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 10 a.m. *Additional Fee
Class information Computer Classes We have an expert-led walkin clinic on the first Tuesday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon, and an instructor-led computer class the third Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. These classes are free to our members. Join our expert, Tom Krauser, to expand your computer skills in our computer lab,
located on the first floor of the Senior Center. Call 372-4969 to reserve your spot.
Bus transportation We offer door-to-door bus transportation to Niskayuna residents ages 60 and older each Tuesday and Thursday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for $5 per round trip. The bus can be used for transportation to the Senior Center for our programs and lunch, or for appointments and shopping within Schenectady County. If you are new to us, please call (518) 372-4969 for an appointment. Returning patrons can call (518) 495-6202 to schedule transportation.
Hot lunches Chef-prepared meals are served at noon for a cost of $5. Information is available at the Senior Center, Niskayuna Town Hall or online at www.niskayuna.org.
T hanksgiving W ishes Capital District
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arent pages The Resource for Parents
from the staff at 101316_4
20 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT — NOVEMBER 2017
Senior calendars Colonie Senior Services 6 Winners Circle, Colonie Colonie Senior Service Centers, (518) 459-2857 Senior Resources Department, (518) 459-5051
Veterans Recognition Luncheon
Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. (CSSC) will host the Veterans Recognition Luncheon on Monday, November 6, at 10 a.m., at the Beltrone Living Center in the Lakeview Dining Room. At this event, CSSC honors the men and women who so bravely defended our country. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with musical performances by the Tri-County Banjo Band, Roland “Bud” Abare, and Rafi “The Singing Jeweler” Topalian. Recognition of veterans will be conducted by the
American Legion J.E. Zaloga Post 1520. CSSC thanks Presenting Sponsor CDTA and Community Sponsor SEFCU Federal Credit Union for their support of the event. Reservations for the Veterans Recognition Luncheon can be made by contacting Sharon Herald at (518) 459-2857, ext. 302 or sherald@colonieseniors.org
Rusty Tool Throw Down
Three local artists from the Albany Barn will square off to earn the title of champion at the Rusty Tool Throw Down on Saturday, November 11, from noon to 3 p.m., at CSSC’s Tool Box, 1693
Central Avenue, Albany. Each artist will be given the same tools and time to construct the artwork. Who will come out the champion? Join us to find out! The newly created artwork will be auctioned after the event with proceeds supporting the Tool Box and members of Colonie Senior Service Centers’ Umbrella of Colonie Program. For more information, contact John Carr, Umbrella of Colonie Director, at (518) 459-2857, ext. 311 or jcarr@colonieseniors.org
Chef AJ Jayapal Cooking Demo Local Chef AJ Jayapal will instruct a cooking demo and serve lunch at the King Thiel Senior Community, 17 Elks Lane, Latham, on Tuesday, November 14, at noon. This event is open to the public, with a $5 charge per person, which includes lunch. For
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
D
I
Isolation and Loneliness KILLS KILLS.. Volunteers Needed to SAVE LIVES. o you have a skill or talent you are willing to share with your elderly neighbors? If you can give a few hours a month or even few hours a week you can make a huge difference in the lives of local seniors. Opportunities available throughout Albany County. Here are some examples of classes volunteers can run: Yoga teachers, Tai Chi, aerobics, music, dance, writing, art, painting, book club, photography, ceramics, knitting, etc. Classes & programs must be conducted during the day between
more information and to reserve your seat, call Ann Jednak at (518) 429-6292.
Thanks for Caregiving CSSC’s Bright Horizons program will host a celebration of thanks for families of members in the program on Thursday, November 16, at 4 p.m., at the Beltrone Living Center. CSSC and Bright Horizons thanks Peregrine Senior Living at Colonie for their support of this event. For more information, contact Abbey Lavazzo at (518) 459-2857, ext. 332.
MVP Presenting Fall Prevention
A specialist from MVP Health Care will perform a demonstration on Fall Prevention on Friday, November 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
f you would like to showcase special events in our monthly publication, Please send them to us by the 5th of the month preceding publication.* MO
NT
H
5
If interested, please call Brenda at 465-3322
Email to: Michael Hallisey at halliseym@spotlightnews.com 103491_4
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10:30am and 2:00pm.
*Based on space availability
NOVEMBER 2017 — CDSENIORSPOTLIGHT.COM 21
Veteran Next Door
Stories from World War II, Korea and Vietnam
Nameless Faces Behind each news headline are the ‘Nameless Faces’ offering help
T
hrough all the gloom of current events, always in the background, are nameless faces — unrecognizable people doing their duty to ease the pain, and offer a hand up from people’s misery. All the nameless faces are those police, fire fighters, National Guard service people and so many people of good will who step up in the face of conflict. They deserves more than our deepest gratitude. It relates to the Veterans who are nameless faces that have done their duty and live next door to you. They are nameless but never forgotten. The nameless
are so reliable and forever we owe them a debt we can’t repay. These men and women have witnessed things through their eyes and hearts that only they can feel. Many times we think that it is just a job. Think again and focus on what they do so we can live the life in the great USA. Think again how the USA saved the world after the end of World War II. Remember, too, when we helped countries like South Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait and many others; there were the nameless faces. Focus on the unfortunate who have lost their family members, homes, personal possessions,
St. Sophia & Holy Wisdom Apartments
confronted with fear in a country that can’t protect them. We must be deeply thankful to the nameless faces that protect us when we face conflict or confronted with other life’s misery. We all want this large, imperfect world to be a better place. We wish every teacher to be a great teacher, every politician to be a great politician and every police officer to be a great police officer. Indeed, we wish it but we deeply understand it is not so. I know from my own professional experience in education that teachers do not want bad teachers, good politician
Frank DeSorbo
do not want bad politicians, police do not want bad police. We should pray to God and sleep better knowing that the overwhelming numbers of the nameless faces are good, wholesome people who live next door to us. The nameless faces have deep feelings, sometimes the unforeseen consequences of issues do hurt and concern them. The nameless faces are part of the solution to fix the wrongs that exist; they are not only there when we all need them the most. Let those nameless faces stand proud and protect us.
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So much to do. So little time. The Meadows at Glenwyck and The Summit at Saratoga aren’t just places to live. They’re adventures in living. Our unique Senior Engaged Life® (SEL) program will help you lead a full, active, satisfying life through a wide array of physical, social and educational programs. Participate in yoga classes, tai chi and line dancing. Stay sharp with learning programs that enhance memory and cognition. Learn to paint or draw. Give or enjoy a music recital. Join your neighbors for a potluck dinner. Take in a play or concert. And take advantage of our convenient concierge services. All included in your rent. Plus, you’ll love our elegantly appointed, bright, spacious apartments and our luxurious clubhouse with everything from a co]y great room, Ɠtness center, hot tub, pool and sauna to a tavern, movie theater and full-service salon. Discover independent retirement living as it was meant to be. Vibrant, busy and fully engaged with life.
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Live well. Age well. 150 Dutch Meadows Lane, Glenville, NY 12302 MeadowsAtGlenwyck.com • 518.280.7340
1 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 SummitSaratoga.com • 518.430.2136 101315_4
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H3328_FC 17122 Accepted 101297_4
24 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT â&#x20AC;&#x201D; NOVEMBER 2017